Closed Hole Flute

Flute keys have to close incisively on the tone holes to seal them from air leakage and then an precise tone may be produced. The only way this may take place is to insure the key is level and the tone hole is level and the pad has no holes or creases in them.

This is achieved by seating the pads correctly and then bending the keys and testing them continually until you get the best seal possible. We test the seal in assorted ways. One of the most mutual ways is to use a strip of cigarette paper. You place it amidst the rim of the tone hole and the pad and then close the key to see if the paper is grabbed or slips out. If it slips out, that means that air may get out of that space and thence you will lose sound and volume etc. I use a jeweler’s eye loop to thoroughly and closely question or examine the hole more than I use the cigarette paper because I may get a closer look through the exposure and I find it quicker.

Bending the keys to make them level was at initial very scary. You are working on a $300.00 and up instrument and you’re taking a pair of flute pliers and bending the key to insure it is setting right over the hole. Yes, you most times break the keys right off. At original this is very unnerving but when you realize that you are suppose to be competent to fix keys that are broken off, then it becomes no big deal. Once you realize that all the pieces of the flute had to be made and soldered together, you may rest assured that you may fix anything. We have recovered flutes that have been stepped on, sat on, jammed in doors etc., etc.

Alright so we took out all dents and bends, which is a science all on it’s own. We made sure the springs are all intact and of the rectify tension. We have checked and substituted and seated all the necessary pads. Finally, we bent and leveled all the keys and their pads over the tone holes so that we get as close to a perfective seal as possible.

Then we clamp the keys shut, to make a deep imprint in the pad, therefore making a very air tight seal. We do this by original using a little pad iron to iron out any wrinkles from any new pads. Then you soak the pads with alcohol (this is one method). Apply the person key clamps. Then you place the flute in a pad oven for a few hours. Pad ovens vary in size and shape. I use a long narrow leak light, which I put in the flute and then I put it in a wooden box. Some persons don’t use an oven.

After that, you’ll get a great seal and the flute will play great. The volume will be great with no hissing or leaks.

After that if you give it regular hand cleaning and have someone a tech give it a once over each 6 months you get the best out of your flute and it will last a long time.

Closed Hole Flute Image

Closed Hole Flute Pic

Closed Hole Flute Image

Closed Hole Flute Image